Asbestos refers to a group of six minerals namely chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite which are categorized into two different rock groups namely serpentine and amphibole. All forms of asbestos are fibrous and able to withstand heat, electrical, and chemical damage. The name asbestos is derived from a Greek word that means indestructible.
It has a series of remarkable properties, including fire resistance, durability, and inability to conduct electricity. Although asbestos has been used ever since ancient times, it was only at the beginning of the 20th century that the mineral gained popularity by virtue of the Industrial Revolution. It occurs naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity.
Asbestos was used in building materials because the fibers provided strength without adding much weight. The insulating and fire-resistant properties also made Asbestos an ideal substance to add to cement.
Health hazards of asbestos
The problem with chrysotile asbestos fibers is they are too small for the cilia in your lungs to remove like other debris. They stay there, irritating the lung lining while your body tries to heal the damage which eventually leads to cancer. Before the discovery of its ill effects asbestos was used in many forms such as cardboard, cement board, and Plaster of Paris. It was used for roofing, heat insulation, fire blankets, the lining in stoves, stove pipes, indoor ceilings, on the back of floor covering, electrical insulation, and friction material in automotive clutches and brake pads as well as for filling potholes.
The presence of asbestos in any home or commercial property is dangerous and poses a serious risk to your health. If you disturb asbestos by removing it, there is a chance of small particles drifting into the air and this space quickly gets contaminated. It is recommended to seek professional help for asbestos removal.
Asbestos removal is not a layman’s job
Asbestos removal is a highly dangerous job, due to the risks involved, and its specialized work, requiring a government license, that authorizes them to remove it, there are a few safety protocols they have to put in place to protect themselves and members of the public, so they may not have a license to remove it, and it’s also a very expensive element to remove safely, it also cannot be dumped on the local rubbish dump, it has a special secure and safe storage facility.
Attempting to remove asbestos-containing products on your own using a DIY method is strongly ill-advised, as the operation will inevitably amplify the extent of the contamination. There are multiple asbestos abatement methods, such as encapsulation and enclosure. Encapsulation involves applying a layer of pain or sealant over the surface of a faulty product, whereas during enclosure, an air-tight barrier made of wood, metal, or sheetrock is built around it. Professional asbestos removal is done by carefully sealing the area, wetting it, and the workers wear hazmat-like suits and positive pressure masks. If you are looking for a professional but affordable asbestos removal Melbourne check out Express Asbestos Solutions. Visit their website for more information.
